Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
  • B01F33/501—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use
  • B01F33/5013—Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use movable by mechanical means, e.g. hoisting systems, grippers or lift trucks
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
  • B28C—PREPARING CLAY; PRODUCING MIXTURES CONTAINING CLAY OR CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
  • B28C7/00—Controlling the operation of apparatus for producing mixtures of clay or cement with other substances; Supplying or proportioning the ingredients for mixing clay or cement with other substances; Discharging the mixture
  • B28C7/16—Discharge means, e.g. with intermediate storage of fresh concrete
  • B28C7/161—Discharge means, e.g. with intermediate storage of fresh concrete with storage reservoirs for temporarily storing the fresh concrete; Charging or discharging devices therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
  • B01F25/30—Injector mixers
  • B01F25/31—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows
  • B01F25/312—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows with Venturi elements; Details thereof
  • B01F25/3124—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows with Venturi elements; Details thereof characterised by the place of introduction of the main flow
  • B01F25/31243—Eductor or eductor-type venturi, i.e. the main flow being injected through the venturi with high speed in the form of a jet
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
  • B01F33/502—Vehicle-mounted mixing devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
  • B01F33/502—Vehicle-mounted mixing devices
  • B01F33/5023—Vehicle-mounted mixing devices the vehicle being a trailer which is hand moved or coupled to self-propelling vehicles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
  • B28C—PREPARING CLAY; PRODUCING MIXTURES CONTAINING CLAY OR CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
  • B28C9/00—General arrangement or layout of plant
  • B28C9/04—General arrangement or layout of plant the plant being mobile, e.g. mounted on a carriage or a set of carriages
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
  • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
  • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
  • B01F33/80—Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers

Definitions

• This invention relates generally to an eductor- mixer system particularly adapted for the preparation of dispersions, solutions and slurries and, more particularly, to a portable system which can be readily moved into a position close to a source of fluent particulate material (e.g., powder or other pressure transportable fluidizable material) for mixing the particulate material with a pressurized working fluid to form a dispersion, slurry or solution which can then be pumped to a remote location.
• a source of fluent particulate material e.g., powder or other pressure transportable fluidizable material
• This invention is generally in the field of co- assigned U.S. patents 4,182,386 and 4,186,772, the former of which relates to a closed system and container for fluidized unloading of powdered material, and the latter of which relates to an eductor-mixer which is operable for receiving fluidized powdered material from the closed container system, for mixing the powdered material with a pressurized working fluid (e.g., water), and for discharging the mixture directly into a suitable receptacle, typically a large tank for processing, storage or the like.
• a pressurized working fluid e.g., water
• the only way to eliminate dust completely is to carry out the unloading process in a location remote from (e.g., partitioned off from) the processing area.
• the container and the eductor-mixer must be positioned relatively close to one another (e.g., within 20 feet) .
• the eductor-mixer may by necessity also be at a location distant from the processing area, or at least distant from sections of the processing area which must be supplied by the eductor- mixer.
• a portable mixing module which functions as an in-line mixer capable of mixing a particulate material with a suitable fluid and then pumping the mixture to virtually any desired location, even distant locations; the provision of such a module which provides for flexibility in the placement of the eductor-mixer relative to processing and/or storage tanks which are to receive product discharged by the mixer; the provision of such a module which can be used to mix essentially any fluidizable material with virtually any pressurized working fluid; the provision of such a module which can deliver mixed product in large quantities and at high flow rates to one or more destinations; the provision of such a module which is small and relatively lightweight; and the provision of a module and process for mixing a particulate solid material with a pressurized working fluid to provide a mixture which then can be pumped to a location remote from the eductor-mixer at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the product is mixed.
• the eductor-mixer has a first inlet adapted to be connected to a source of fluent particulate material, a second inlet adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized working fluid, and a discharge adapted for discharging a mixture of the fluent particulate material and the working fluid at a first rate.
• the module also includes a small surge tank mounted on and movable with the frame for receiving the mixture discharged from the eductor-mixer.
• the surge tank has an outlet.
• a pump is also mounted on and movable with the frame.
• the pump has an intake connected to the outlet of the surge tank and a discharge adapted for connection to an outfeed line for delivery of mixture from the surge tank to a remote location.
• the pump is operable to pump mixture from the surge tank at a second flow rate not substantially less than the first flow rate.
• This invention also involves an in-line process for mixing a particulate solid material with a pressurized working fluid.
• the process comprises conveying the particulate material through a first supply line from a source of said particulate material to a first inlet of an eductor-mixer, and pumping pressurized working fluid through a second supply line to a second inlet of the eductor-mixer.
• the eductor-mixer is operable to mix the particulate material and the working fluid to form a mixture of the partic llate material and the working fluid.
• the method further includes the steps of discharging the mixture from the eductor-mixer into a small surge tank at a first flow rate, and pumping the mixture out of the tank at a second flow rate approximately equal to said first flow rate for delivery to a remote location via an outfeed line.
• Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a portable mixing module of this invention for mixing particulate material from a container with a liquid and for pumping the resultant mixture to a processing tank;
• Fig. 2 is an enlarged portion of part of Fig. 1 showing an alternative embodiment of the frame of the module;
• Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of Fig. 1 showing certain connections; and Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a different system using a module of the present invention.
• a portable mixing module of the present invention for preparing solutions, dispersions and slurries is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1.
• the module comprises a portable frame generally designated 3, an eductor-mixer generally designated 5 mounted on the frame, a surge tank 7 mounted on and movable with the frame for receiving mixture discharged by the eductor-mixer, and a pump indicated at 9 mounted on and movable with the frame 3 for pumping mixed product from the surge tank 7 to a remote location, such as the processing tank indicated at 13.
• the frame 3 comprises a generally rectangular metal base 15 on legs 17.
• the legs 17 support the base 15 above the floor so the module can readily be moved by forklift truck.
• the base is provided with rollers 21 so the module can be readily moved by hand.
• a platform 23 may be provided adjacent one end of the base to facilitate access to the inside of the surge tank 7.
• a vertical frame structure 27 extends up from the base at its opposite end (its left end as viewed in Fig. 1) .
• the eductor-mixer 5 is of the type disclosed in co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,186,772, which is incorporated herein by reference.
• the eductor-mixer is supported on the frame 3 by means of a post 31 extending up from the base 15 of the frame.
• the mixer has a first inlet 33 connected to a source 35 of fluent particulate material (e.g., powdered milk, sugar, dry chemicals) via a first supply line designated 37.
• the source 35 may be a flexible bag/pallet container of the type disclosed in co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,182,386, or a hopper system of the type described in co-assigned U.S. Patent No.
• the particulate material is fluidized and then conveyed in a fluidized state to the first inlet 33 of the eductor- mixer through the supply line 37.
• the eductor-mixer 5 further has a second inlet 41 adapted to be connected to a source 43 of pressurized working fluid via a second supply line indicated at 45.
• This source may be a pump, for example, which pumps a suitable working fluid (e.g., liquid) to the educator-mixer.
• a suitable working fluid e.g., liquid
• the eductor-mixer operates to mix the particulate material and working fluid supplied via respective lines 37 and 45 and to discharge the resulting mixture into the surge tank 7 via a discharge conduit 47.
• the working fluid supply line 45 is sealingly connected to one end of a flanged tubular fitting 51 mounted (e.g., welded) in horizontal position on the vertical frame structure 27.
• the connection is preferably made by a suitable quick- connect, quick-disconnect device such as a quick-action (e.g., toggle-action) hoop clamp 53 of the type commercially available under the trademark TRI-CLAMP ® from Tri-Clover, Inc. of Kenosha, WI.
• a flange 55 on the end of the tubular fitting 51 is drawn into sealing engagement with a flange 57 on the end of the supply line 45 to provide a sealing connection.
• the opposite end of the tubular fitting is sealingly connected by a similar clamping device 53 to the second inlet 41 of the eductor-mixer 5. Other devices may be used to make these connections.
• the surge tank 7 is a relatively small, open- top tank of appropriate material (e.g., stainless steel) mounted on the frame 3 by means of legs 61 extending up from the base 15.
• the tank has an inlet tube 63 coupled by suitable means to the outlet end of the discharge tube 47 of the eductor-mixer 5, and a. generally conical bottom 67 with a cylindric outlet 71 extending down from its lower end.
• the tank 7 is open to atmospheric pressure to avoid any build-up of pressure which might interfere with the proper operation of the eductor-mixer 5 (which must generate a vacuum to draw the fluidized material through line 37) .
• mixture from the eductor-mixer 5 enters the surge tank 7 at a first rate (e.g., 500-5000 lbs per minute), and mixture exits the tank at a second rate not substantially less than, and preferably substantially equal to, the first rate.
• a first rate e.g., 500-5000 lbs per minute
• the tank 7 can be small in size, preferably having a maximum capacity of less than the stated first flow rate (in gallons of mixture per minute) multiplied times about two minutes, and even more preferably a maximum capacity of less than the stated first flow rate (in gallons of mixture per minute) multiplied times about 0.2 minutes.
• the small size of the tank increases the portability of the module.
• the outlet 71 of the surge tank 7 is connected to the intake of the pump 9 by means of an elbow indicated at 75 in Fig 1.
• the pump 9 may be a positive displacement pump or a centrifugal pump, depending on the product to be pumped, under the control of an ac variable drive 77.
• the pump has a discharge 81 connected to a discharge line 83 which is connected to one end of a second flanged tubular fitting 87 mounted (e.g., welded) in horizontal position on the vertical frame structure 27.
• the connection is preferably made by a suitable quick-connect, quick-disconnect device such as a quick- action hoop clamp 53 of the type described above.
• the opposite end of the tubular fitting 87 is connected by a similar clamping device 53 to an outfeed line 91 through which product can be pumped to a desired location, such as a processing area, or to a mix tank, or to a storage or holding tank (e.g., tank 13).
• a desired location such as a processing area, or to a mix tank, or to a storage or holding tank (e.g., tank 13).
• the location can be nearby (e.g., less than 20 feet) or distant (several hundred feet) ; it makes no difference. The distance is limited only by the size of the pump 9 and line losses.
• the rate at which the mixture enters the surge tank 7 is preferably approximately equal to the rate at which the mixture exits the tank (i.e., the rate at which the pump 9 pumps mixture from the tank) . Inevitably, however, these rates will not always match exactly. Accordingly, provision is made for monitoring the level of mixture in the tank 7 and for controlling the speed of the pump 9 accordingly.
• a level sensor 95 e.g., a pressure sensor
• variable drive 77 of the pump (which may broadly be referred to as pump control means) is responsive to these output signals for increasing the speed and discharge rate of the pump 9 if the level of mixture in the surge tank rises to or above a first predetermined level, and for decreasing the speed and discharge rate of the pump if the level of mixture in the surge tank falls to or below a second predetermined level.
• This design maintains the level of mixture in the tank 7 within predetermined limits, which allows the size of the tank to be minimized while avoiding over and under filling.
• An electronic control panel 99 mounted on the frame has the controls necessary to operate the pump 9 and valving associated with the eductor mixer.
• the portable module is simply moved to a location close to a container (e.g., 35) of particulate material to be mixed with a working fluid.
• the module should be positioned close to (prefereably within 20 feet of) the container because the conveyance of fluidized material from the conveyor is effected by a vacuum created by the eductor-mixer during its operation, as described in U.S. Patent 4,186,772.
• Fig. 1 illustrates a typical use of the invention where the container is located on one side of a wall W to isolate any dust resulting from unloading of the container, and the module of this invention is located close by on the other side of the wall in a
• both the module and the container can be located outside the “clean-room” environment.
• the supply line 37 from the container is connected to the first inlet 33 of the eductor-mixer; the supply line 45 from pump 43 is connected to the first tubular fitting 51 on the frame 3; and the outfeed line 91 is connected to the second tubular fitting 87 on the frame.
• pump 43 is turned on to supply working fluid (e.g., a suitable liquid) to the eductor-mixer.
• working fluid e.g., a suitable liquid
• the take-away pump 9 operates to pump mixture from the surge tank at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which product enters the tank, the level of mixture in the tank being monitored by the aforementioned level sensor 95 to ensure that the level of mixture in the tank remains within desired limits.
• Product pumped from the surge tank flows through outfeed line 91 to one or more locations, such as one or more processing or storage tanks (e.g., 13), which may be nearby or distant. If desired, the product may be recirculated via pump 43 back to the eductor-mixer 5 for additional mixing (thickening) .
• Fig. 4 shows a alternative arrangement where the eductor-mixer 5 has a plurality of first inlets 33A, 33B adapted for connection to a plurality of sources 35A, 35B of particulate material.
• the sources may be any type of container, including those referred to above, capable of fluidizing particulate material.
• the containers may contain the same material, or they may contain different materials. In a situation where they contain the same material, material from one container (e.g., 35A) is conveyed to a respective inlet (e.g., 33A) to effect mixing of the material with working fluid.
• a second container e.g., 35B
• the appropriate inlet e.g., 33B
• Suitable valving associated with the inlets 33A, 33B of the eductor-mixer 5 is provided for permitting change-over from one container/inlet to the other. If the containers hold different materials, this valving can be operated to switch between containers/inlets as needed. It will be understood that the eductor-mixer 5 may have more than the two inlets 33A, 33B shown in Fig. 4.
• the mixing module of the present invention and process carried out by the mixing module reduces problematic powder handling by virtue of the fact that the powder can be unloaded and mixed at one location and the resultant mixture pumped to a remote location for subsequent use. Moreover, the mixture is pumped immediately after it is mixed at a very high rate, i.e., a rate which is substantially equal to the rate of discharge from the mixer.
• the entire process is essentially an "in- line" process which does not require the need for a large holding tank.
• only a small surge tank is needed, the function of which is to hold product discharged by the eductor-mixer for only a very short duration of time before it is pumped to its final destination.
• the module can be made very compact for easy portability.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
• Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
• Preparation Of Clay, And Manufacture Of Mixtures Containing Clay Or Cement (AREA)
• Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
• Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (3)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Families Citing this family (14)

Citations (7)

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• 1994
  • 1994-09-30 US US08/316,649 patent/US5544951A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 1995
  • 1995-09-28 AT AT95935212T patent/ATE230300T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1995-09-28 EP EP95935212A patent/EP0783365B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1995-09-28 WO PCT/US1995/012501 patent/WO1996010455A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1995-09-28 ES ES95935212T patent/ES2189831T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1995-09-28 DE DE69529291T patent/DE69529291T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime

Patent Citations (7)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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